Eggeterian with HIgh Cholesterol!!!

Hello All,
I just had my cholesterol tests few days back and found the levels are pretty high.
LDL is around 177 and HDL is very less at 35..I am a 28 years old male...Am an eggeterian,and do not take any kind of meat (fish, chicken etc). I am all worried as to how should I increase the HDL levels and decrese LDL in my body. Are there any supplements available in the market. I have heard of something about Fish Oil capsules but not sure if thet really help you. If any good fish supplement is available, I can take it for my cholesterol levels.

Also if I have to see a doctor for my cholesterol levels, what kid of doctor should I see. A normal physicial or a specialist in some field.

Would appreciate any help.
Thank you.

[frootbar]

niacin is the cheapest sure way to lower cholesterol, and red yeast
rice extract.
eggs typically should NOT raise cholesterol.  what does mostly is
too many calories, and flours, white rice, pastries, etc.  also calorie
dense foods like cheese can do it.
too much coke, pop, can do it.
clean up any of these if applicable, and try the above nutrients if you
desire.
i'd see a naturopath for cholesterol myself, if it's a persistent issue.
fish oil can help, but also flax seed has been known to lower it pretty
well in many people.
not all respond to all things the same way, so you may have to tinker
a little.
frootbar C.N. Certified Nutritionist

[Bob_D]

To raise HDL, 1) increase aerobic exercise 2) lose weight if overweight 3) cut down on refined carbohydrates (sugars, white flour) 4) reduce saturated fat/increase monounsaturated fats intake.

From what I have read, as far as niacin goes, only high-dose niacin (such as prescription Niaspan) will have an effect on HDL and you must be monitored with blood tests to make sure there is no ensuing liver damage.

Good luck... I have the HDL same problem.

[IIH50311]

I am vegetarian and got cholesterol results back with extremely low HDL (something around 30...oops!).  I'm overweight and was already on an exercise plan (that's thing number one.  exercise, exercise, exercise), so they said in addition to that, i should take fish oil pills.  But that's against my vegetarian-ism, so I did the flaxseed instead.  They grind up the seeds into a power (I guess your body doesn't process the seeds as well as the powder) and you eat the powder.  I'd recommend buying a small jar first though, because some people reject it.  It doesn't have a strong taste, but they recommend mixing it into oatmeal or yogurt or cereal and the consistency is quite bizarre.  It tends to stick to the spoon.  I try to put it in yogurt with granola and pretend like it's just part of the granola.  I've not been back for additional testing, but I hope it's helping!

[MrLOA]

My neighbor and my father have both had unbelievable results with a natural remedy called Mangosteen Juice. The Mangosteen is a tropical tangerine sized fruit which has been found to have over 43 different Xanthones, Catechins, Polysacharides and it is, considered a Super antioxidant (ORAC value of around 17,000)  a powerful anti-inflamatory and the list goes on and on.

[Gabe9198]

Eggs do contain cholesterol, but are not shown to raise the cholesterol in our bodies.  Fish oil pills are an excellent way to raise your HDL and lower LDL due to the high content of the Omege 3 fatty acids that they contain.  Anything that has a high Omega 3 content will have this effect, such as flax seed.  Most commercial eggs are commonly high in Omega 6 fatty acids due to the fact that they are raised in cages and eat the seeds of plants that have a high Omega 6 content.  Omega 6 fatty acids have the effect of raising LDL levels in the blood.  Look for eggs that boast high Omega 3 content.  Also, foods high in solubls fiber, as well as insoluble fiber redude blood cholesterol levels by binding with cholesterol in digestion and ushering it out of the body.  Oatmeal or high fiber cereals every morning for a few months will have a profound effect.  

[SassyLassie]

I take liquid fish oil by Carlson and it is terrific, and it sure does lower the triglycerides and also helps keep the arteries free of inflammation which is the real cause for atherosclerosis, the cholesterol sticks to the "fingers" that the inflammation causes, the level of inflammation can be determined by doing a high sensitivity CRP test.

Red yeast rice is also great for cholesterol, I take it and it has helped lots.

Niacin is OK, but needs to be taken in high amounts, so, you should have your liver enzymes tested periodically to make sure it is functioning as it should.

As far as to whay kind of physician to see, your GP should be fine, a Naturopath or a cardiologist.

Hope this helps